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POLICY

WHAT CAN YOU FIND IN THIS SECTION?

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This section includes the areas where EASPD's work has been focused on over the last few years. This work has been carried out by EASPD, its Standing Committees and Interest Groups and includes projects, policy and research.

Disability Specific Policy: Over the past decade or two, perspectives towards disability have undergone a major revolution. Indeed, limitations faced by people with disabilities are no longer considered to be due to their disabilities but caused by society’s inability to adjust to the difference posed by disability and to provide equal opportunities to all its citizens, beyond factors such as sex, age, ethnicity and of course disability. This section concerns all disability policies that have been adopted such as the Anti-discrimination directive, European Disability Strategy 2010-2020, Council of Europe Action Plan, UN Convention.

Employment: a crucial theme for EASPD, as around one third of our members are providing employment related social services. Also considering the right to work, employment now has to be seen as more than the simple provision of work-related activities. Indeed, employment is also linked to the enjoyment of a number of other fundamental rights.

Community based living: Inclusion in the community must be facilitated for persons with disabilities and to push the transition from segregated to community based services at national and at EU level. The article 19 of the UNCRPD establishes the equal right of all persons with disabilities to live in the community, with choices equal to others.

Children and education: In an inclusive education system, the framework changes to adapt to and welcome every learner, who is welcomed and valued as able to contribute to the learning environment. Article 24 of the UNCRPD challenges not only the school systems but also refers to all levels of education in the human life-course and establishes the right to inclusive education.

Quality Social Services: Most if not all EASPD members are social service providers. In Europe, social services play a crucial role in improving the quality of life and in ensuring social protection for all people. This section focuses on job creation and decent working conditions, funding of services and the European Semester.

Other Policies: In addition to the three main EU policy processes affecting social services, there are several other areas of key interestsuch as the Europe 2020 Strategy, European Pillar of Social Rights,Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), Access to Services for Migrants with Disabilities, Person-Centred Technology.